Migraine

I read somewhere that apparently red tinted eye glasses and contact lenses can be used to relieve the symptoms of photophobia often associated with migraine headache... as it blocks out a particular wave length of light into the retina...

Apparently that is why a lot of us find relief when we hide away in a dark room because the dark blocks those same wave lengths of light from our retinal receptors....

I don't know much about this but I'm curious as to know a bit more about whether or not this particular therapy actually works...

does anybody else know a bit more about this?

I have to reach far back into my memory bank on this one, so bear with me...

When I was in my early twenties, I went to the eye doctor and explained how difficult it was for me to drive at night and he said that I was night blind. He recommended adding a red tint to my prescription to help deter the headlights from bothering me. So, I suppose it's possible the same could be said for detering the light for photophobia purposes too???

On a very, very side note, this was back before I had kids and I went out and partied. Well, I picked out my glasses after I had a few drinks and when I went back to go pick them up a few days later, I was shocked to see that I picked out not only a dark pink tint, but round John Lennon looking glasses. I looked like a goof ball! But, I had them for a long time because they were so expensive

I really don't know much at all about this. I do know I've heard of it, in passing, from time to time. I don't think I know of anyone that's tried it, though.

Just now doing some googling on the subject, I'm seeing mostly hits for special red-tinted contact lenses, as opposed to eyeglass lenses. You'd think it would be hard for a lot of people to insert contacts during a migraine attack, but that's what all the articles I'm getting hits on are taking about.

Yea I'm tempted to get a pair of red tinted sunnies... just to see if it gives a little bit of relief... my eyes are photophobic at the best of times let alone during an attack....

Also might have a chat to the neurologist about it.. see if he knows anything about it...

It's worth "looking" into (lol at the punn... that was intentional)

I spoke with my ophthalmologist about this at one point. He wasn't sure about the red tint, BUT he did say to be sure of a few things with ANY glasses, prescription or not:

• Cheap lenses = trouble. Lenses should always be optical grade.
  
• If lenses will be worn outside, they must have UVA and UVB protection.
  
• Polarized lenses are always better if they're going to be work outside.

Hope these tips help a bit!

quote:

Originally posted by kiwiE-J:
Yea I'm tempted to get a pair of red tinted sunnies... just to see if it gives a little bit of relief... my eyes are photophobic at the best of times let alone during an attack....

Also might have a chat to the neurologist about it.. see if he knows anything about it...

It's worth "looking" into (lol at the punn... that was intentional)

I cannot speak on behalf of red tinted lenses, but I can tell you about yellow tinted ones.

I have 40% yellow tint on a pair of my glasses. I pretty much switch my glasses as soon as I get home over to these. I also find them very beneficial for driving at night. I have issues seeing things "crisp" at night and forget it if you add in glare of lights and/or rain!

The yellow tint helps cut glare and I can see more clearly or "crisp" with this tint. Although my other glasses are the same perscription, I do find the yellow tinted ones to make me feel better. If that makes sense.